city

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (September 12-18)

Opera, plays and Coastal Cleanup Day.

By Dani Wright /

Your weekly roundup of the top events in the city, including art exhibitions, local theatre, restaurant openings, concerts, film, markets and other to-dos we think you’ll love. If you have a Vancouver event you’d like to submit for consideration, send an email to dwright@canadawide.com.

Read on for this week’s lineup.

1. Operas and Arias: A Celebration

Sept 12-13

Opera is returning to Bard on the Beach for two days only. The rising stars of UBC Opera Ensemble and the members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra will be showcasing  four performances of opera’s most iconic productions, including Carmen, La Traviata and Die Fledermaus.

When: September 12-13
Where: Sen̓ákw/Vanier Park
Cost: From $27
More Info: bardonthebeach.org

Credit: HidexSeek Events

2. Santorini Sunset

September 18

Loula’s Taverna is celebrating the end of summer with τέλος του καλοκαιριού – Santorini Sunset. Close off the season in style with an afternoon of dance, food and Greek culture, just like they do in Santorini. Your entry includes a welcome drink, a table for your group and of course, a rally towel.  

When: September 18
Where: Loula’s Taverna
Cost: From $30
More Info: eventbrite.ca

Credit: Sarah Race

3. To Perfection

September 14-17

The world premiere of Meghan Gardiner’s To Perfection tells the story of Gloria, a former TV chef and her estranged grandchild, Alex, who comes out as non-binary and opens a ‘genderational’ divide. Expect a relatable and humorous take on the issues of modern life and family conflict.

When: September 14-17
Where: Surrey Arts Centre’s Studio Theatre
Cost: From $22; $15 Students and seniors
More Info: tickets.surrey.ca

Credit: Graphic design by Afreen J.

4. 90 Days

September 9-25

First-time playwright Salim Rahemtulla’s new play 90 Days is loosely based on his family’s experience of expulsion from Uganda by Idi Amin fifty years ago. Despite the 1972 Ugandan forced exodus of its Asian community being one of the largest expulsions of the 20th century, it is rarely spoken about. But this performance brings it to life in a moving, authentic, and humorous way.

When: September 9-25
Where: PAL Studio Theatre
Cost: From $25
More Info: westerngoldtheatre.org

5. Coastal Clean Up Day

September 17

International Coastal Cleanup Day is this Saturday, and Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup will be at English Bay Beach Park to help you take clean-up action. The day will of course include opportunities for volunteering and direct action, but there is also a chance to win a prize—but really, a clean beach is prize enough.

When: September 17
Where: English Bay Beach Park
Cost: Free
More Info: shorelinecleanup.org